Bible Truth for Today & Christian Counseling for the Soul

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She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Proverbs 31:20

Many churches all across the US conducts their own Vacation Bible School during the fleeting summer months. Thousands of children and families are exposed to the Gospel and taught the Bible in a fun filled way. Recently Wilton Baptist Church hosted our annual 6 night VBS. The entire team from the check in people, to the “banker,” the teachers, game and craft leaders and our “mad” scientist did a great job! We thank the Lord for their work. A spirit of teamwork and excellence was evident each night. In fact, it was in many ways our best VBS ever.

Talking to our 5th grader about VBS I suggested that she only has one more year left of VBS. While the thought of her being “too old” to attend and participate as a student was not that exciting, she simply said: “…Then I can be a helper at VBS.”

I am thankful for her heart of wanting to continue to be involved in VBS. When things are happening at church, you may notice in your children, they want to be involved. Kids need to know they belong and their is a place of service and ministry for the, today. Our kids do not have to “grow up” before serving Jesus. Part of their “Growing up” is serving Jesus today.

Be encouraged to nurture a spirit of participation in your kids. They may outgrow certain events, and reach “age limits” for VBS, camp, etc, but they should never outgrow an attitude of wanting to be involved in the work of God.

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

“A church usher was instructing a young successor in the details of his office. “And remember, my boy,” he concluded, “that we have nothing but good kind Christians in this church until you try to seat someone else in their chair.” (6000)

I have always enjoyed that little story. It is true that sometimes when we change the routine and seemingly insignificant expectations of some people they can become very angry! Some of us are “kind” just part of the time. We could be “kind of kind” but that is not really being kind!

The Bible commands and admonishes us to “be kind one to another.” This is written to the church members of a church in a city called Ephesus. These were people who lived busy lives in an ancient world trading capitol. There were false gods in the city and the famous Temple of Diana where all sorts of evil originated and was conveyed into their society. It was to these Christian people that God said – “Be ye kind.”

“Ye Kind” is taken from the Greek word: “chrestos” which means to be “employed.” You may never have guessed that definition and origin of the word “kind!” It really helps us understand the significance as to how to go about being kind.

Like you are employed at your job or occupation, the Lord wants us to be employed in the area of kindness. Be kind to the family members in your home. Be kind to the church members at your local church. Be kind to other Christians in the body of Christ. Be kind o your neighbor who does not yet know Jesus. Be kind.

In other words: Leave the other person better off than when you first interacted with them…

Here are 3 considerations.

I need to think right about people. If I am thinking about how I can take advantage of other people, I cannot be kind to them. That is what Ephesians 5:31 is speaking about: Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

I need to have compassion for other people. Tenderhearted in verse 32 is speaking of compassion. We live in a day when many people have more compassion on a baby elephant than they do for a homeless man. Many are more compassionate about baby dolphins than they are about human babies that are being murdered in abortion. Have some godly concern for others. Know their condition. Try to help meet a need.

I must have forgiveness in my heart for others. For the sake of Jesus – God forgave your sin. For the sake of Jesus – you can forgive the sin and wrong that others have projected against you. Forgiving is not the same as forgetting, we will never forget. But we can be like God Who in Hebrews 13:13, “remembers no more” our sin and wrong. While God never forgets, He chooses not to think about our sin. When we forgive others, we are being like God! And God wants us to be more like Him!

One final thought. I am not a “kind person” if I am thinking of how to hurt or take advantage of others. I am not a “kind person” if I am not actively showing compassion to others. I am not a “kind person” if I am not demonstrating true forgiveness to other people.

Ask God to help you – you can be a kind person today! Be employed at being kind to others. It is a “job” that God has called each of us to.

I read an article this week about a surgery performed on the wrong patient! Melanie Dadourian writes: “Doctors in Nairobi have been suspended for performing brain surgery on the wrong patient. A case of mistaken identification tags caused a mix-up between two patients — one needed surgery for a blood clot on the brain, the other just nursing and non-invasive treatment for swelling after a head trauma. It wasn’t until hours into the surgery that doctors discovered there was no blood clot, according to a report from the BBC news service.”

Wow. The wrong surgery on the wrong person for the wrong health need is a real problem indeed. Now both patients had a severer headache! Perhaps your headache does not feel as bad after reading this!

Doctors tell me that most headaches are caused by a lack of hydration. When you learned about drinking 8 or more cups of water today in school, it was good advice! Some headaches are caused by chemical issues in the brain. Sometimes its trauma or head trauma related. Even when the eyes do not properly process sunlight a headache could occur. Sinus issues can contribute to them. Sometimes tumors and abnormal growths are the culprit. Many times, stress can create headaches.

Perhaps all of us have heard someone say something to the effect that another person caused their headache! Actually – other people cannot cause our headaches. How we process situations (our reactions or responses) would be the cause. The external circumstances another person brings to bear does not enter into our head and cause the headache. How we interpret and relate to the “potentially stressful situations” makes a big difference. We could call these types of headaches – “Relational Headaches.”

Each of us have processes (ways of interpreting and evaluating data) and responses to stimuli or circumstances. How we respond can cause more problems (headaches) or cause more peace, and tranquility.

Here are some “Heart Remedies for Relational Headaches…”

Cast Your Cares to the Lord. 1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Please know that humility and releasing the burden and weight of a situation go together. A proud person will try to fix it, carry it or resolve it on his own. He may create a self-induced headache because he is not humble enough to trust God and accept His outcomes. We cannot change people; but we can allow the Lord to change us. Give your concern to God today. All relationships are helped when we carry less guilt, grief, or weight into them.

Commit Your Way to the Lord. Psalm 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Wanting more, wanting our way, and demanding our “rights” are good ways to acquire and sustain a headache. When we delight in God, His Word, and His way for living, we are given more than we could ever hope for. Because this is not always tangible and physical it is often overlooked. The Lord can bring to pass any hope, dream, or aspiration that He places in your heart. Our part in this is to “delight in Him.” When we commit all our way to God we find the satisfaction in life that God has promised to us.

Confess Your Need for the Lord. Colossians 1:18 And he (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. And Colossians 2:10 And ye (Christians) are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

One preacher at church recently quoted a missionary and said: “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” I like the statement. It seems most Christians do the attempting but do not do the expecting. When we assume leadership, authority, or expectations that God did not give to us, we are sure to create our own headaches or even give cause for contributing to a headache in other people.

We need God. The local church is His church. Jesus is the Head. When we try take leadership instead of servanthood, we err. We are complete in Jesus. When we serve, allowing the Lord to do the thinking, planning, directing, and overseeing, we lesson the likelihood of relational headaches that would otherwise occur. God may or may not use us, or other people to fulfill His plan. Whether at home, church, or in the community, when we follow the leadership of Christ – is helps us!

If you have a headache today – it could be worse. You could be contributing to a relational headache that the Lord never intended for you to have. May these 3 simple truths be a help to you today.

A military chaplain once told me a story of a teenager who enlisted. This recruit grew up in a conservative church like ours with parents who loved Jesus. One night he, with his new army buddies he went out on the town. He had never had a drop of alcohol in his life. They coaxed him into drinking. The next day, he woke up in a jail cell with a blood-stained shirt on. He had no memory of what happened. A fight had broken out in the bar and he stabbed a man – who later died. At the age of 19 he had a life sentence. He sobbed – “IF I had only listened to my parents, teachers and pastor.” One night. One choice. One drink led to a lifetime of sorrow. We make meaningful decisions each day.

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 1 Corinthians 6:12

The following stats are from NIAAA who monitor Alcohol consumption in America.

“Many young people drink alcohol…

By age 15, about 33 percent of teens have had at least 1 drink.1

By age 18, about 60 percent of teens have had at least 1 drink.1

In 2015, 7.7 million young people ages 12–20 reported that they drank alcohol beyond “just a few sips” in the past month.

Youth ages 12 to 20 often binge drink…

People ages 12 through 20 drink 11 percent of all alcohol consumed in the United States.3 Although youth drink less often than adults do, when they do drink, they drink more. That is because young people consume more than 90 percent of their alcohol by binge drinking. Binge drinking is consuming many drinks on an occasion (see box). Drinking alcohol and binge drinking become more prevalent as young people get older.

1 million young people reported binge drinking (for males 5 or more drinks and for females 4 or more drinks on the same occasion within a few hours) at least once in the past month.2

3 million young people reported binge drinking on 5 or more days over the past month.”

The damage done to the brain and thinking processes of a person who is consuming alcohol cannot be denied. For reasons of pleasure, pain, or forgetting a problem, some people resort to drinking. While mainstream culture promotes and makes alcohol popular, the true issues it and other substance abuse cause is seldom told or not fully understood in stark reality. Broken homes, bruised bodies, car wrecks, and poor judgment are frequent and extremely common.

Many people I have counseled with who grew up in homes where alcohol ruled, decided against drinking alcohol themselves because of the first-hand problems they saw it create. Alcohol does not “cause for a good time” like some people say. It creates at atmosphere of foolishness and impaired judgment. People can have fun at parties and have a good time hanging out with friends because of the people they are with and the things they are doing together – not because of a mind changed under the power and effect of alcohol. To say: “I can’t have a good time without drinking” is one way of devaluing friendships. Alcohol is in control of a person who says things like that. Enjoy the moment with the people you love. Who wouldn’t want to remember “such a good time” to have good memories instead of foggy memories?

The Apostle Paul is teaching the Corinthian church that even if something is lawful – it does not mean it is good for me. Even if I can – does not mean that I should. Allowing your mind and body to be controlled by any substance or anything out side of the body is a form of addiction. Drugs, vaping, smoking, drinking alcohol, or any other addiction is not something that you want to be subject to. One drink later… you could be enslaved.

Parents – do all you can to help your teen not take their first drop of alcohol. Warn about the dangers. Teach the Bible admonitions. Adults, purpose with the Lord’s help to abstain from drinking. Your thoughts will be clearer, you will sin less, do less harm or evil than while “under the influence” and you will be better prepared for life because your mind is working more efficiently.

Consider in conclusion 2 of the many Bible passages giving ample warning:

Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Proverbs 23:31-35 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder (Snake). Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

I like the Reese hearts and the Russel Stover Chocolates. My wife likes the chocolates and the red roses too. Each Valentines day we are all reminded about the special relationships many of us are called by God to enjoy – marriage. A happy and healthy marriage is possible!

If you and your spouse are having issues, do not wait to get help. Please call me or another Christian counselor today. Statistically I read some time ago that couples about to divorce wait 6 years too late to get counseling help. Good news – your marriage perspective can change overnight with a little positive encouragement from a Christian counselor.

Stay physically and emotionally faithful to your spouse alone. This was declared on your wedding day. Proverbs 5:15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.

Celebrate spiritual, financial, educational, and relational victories. Throw a party for two, go out for coffee, or make a special meal. Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

Be Happy. Happiness is not conditional on circumstances but on the attitude. Happiness is a choice. Ecclesiastes 9:9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

Blend everything you do and have together. Feelings, faith, friends, finances, etc. All these things should be combined. Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Choose to make the spiritually right decision. One of you is probably more spiritual than the other. While the man should lovingly serve with Biblical leadership in the home, it is not always the case. Choose to have a positive, edifying spirit that will build up the other in the things of God. 1 Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

Modify expectations while not letting any disappointments change you. He made a mess. She was not ready for intimacy. Don’t let circumstances become sources of bitterness. Colossians 3:18-19 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Understand each other. Know how the other thinks. Know the likes and dislikes. This is something of a challenge! 1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Value and treasure the person God gave to you. God gave you a special gift to have as a companion in life. While some people are called to “singleness” the Lord gave you a “help meet.” Treasure this gift with all of your heart. Proverb 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? Psalm 85:6

We need revival. Every Christian needs the renewal, refreshment, and revitalization of commitment, perspective, and a deeper fellowship with God. Notice this study from several years ago:

“The National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago recently released its finding from the first comprehensive study of spiritual beliefs in the former Soviet Union since the fall of communism. Among the most interesting findings is the large percentage of conversions from atheism. Twenty-two percent of the population at large said they were once atheists but now believe in God. Andrew Greeley, a sociologist at the University of Chicago, wrote a report on the findings and titled it “God Is Alive and Well and Living in Moscow” Greeley said, “It would seem, at least at first glance, to demonstrate that after the most serious attempt to obliterate religion in human history, they are experiencing the most dramatic religious revival in human history.””

The word Revive (Chayah) means to “restore life, make alive.” Some believers have been saved for a while and have and lost the fire and joy of their salvation. Some go through the motions of Christianity while drying up spiritually inside. Others do not even go through the motions anymore.

Backsliders today were in need of revival yesterday, but tragically, they neglected it. That does not have to be the case! Embrace your life in Christ. Have hope for a closer walk with God today!

Evangelist and friend, Dr. Rich Flanders identified 4 ideas that hinder Revival in his book “Back to Normal.” He said:

“Let’s define revival from history.”

“Let’s improve the plan of salvation.”

“Let’s not talk too much about the Holy Spirit.”

“Let’s get in touch with this new generation.”

Those are definite ways to hinder revival and we could do those things purposefully – or accidentally, if we not think about it.

When Paul wrote to the local churches he expressed that, many times he found hope, encouragement, and refreshment in their testimony and steadfastness. Their walk with Jesus renewed Paul’s joy. If you are living in revival, you will encourage others too!

2 Corinthians 7:13 says, “Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.” Again in 2 Timothy 1:16, “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:”

Evangelist Gypsy Smith, was asked what the secret of revival is. He said, “Go home. Take a piece of chalk. Draw a circle around yourself. Then pray, ‘O Lord, revive everything inside this circle.’” Put yourself in that circle today and ask the Lord for revival in your own heart and life.

King David lost his joy. Following his selfish sins with Bathsheba, the cover up and murder of Uriah, he confesses to God in Psalm 51:12, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” If you do not have an inner, long-lasting happiness and satisfaction in Jesus, you can have it restored in your life today – through revival.

Now, my perception of self-shifts from being selfish to being Biblically accurate. My emotions are controlled. I am not easily offended. Where I may have been depressed, now I am thinking of God and others. Where I may have been discouraged, I find my self-worth in Jesus. It could be that I was defiant to rules, authority, or leadership; now I am submissive to the Holy Spirit. Bitterness is not allowed to take root because I deal with disappointment on a daily basis. My anger is under the control of God. My relationship with God is primary, and my relationship with others is prioritized. Like Mark 12:30 says, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”

Paul anticipated, expected refreshing, and change for better when hearing about Onesimus and Philemon. We can have the same confident expectation of the Lord. God can change us! If we are not willing to admit our sin, wrong thinking, or guilt, then hope for change is diminished. That is the beauty of confession of sin. Sin is something that can be repented of and then a change in life and action can take root.

Sin does not need to control you – you have hope for change following confession. I no longer need to drown in the sea of temptations, the Lord will deliver me. Revival brings about this hope for change.

Our hope is also in Christ. Our hope is not money, personality, ability, or other men – our hope is found in Jesus Himself. 1 Timothy 1:1 says, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope.”

Christians can lose hope from time to time. We lose hope when we focus on now instead of tomorrow. Problems can be BIG, but God is BIGGER. Today may be terrible, but tomorrow is much better! Don’t let fear, anxiety, and worry define your life. Look to Jesus. Titus 2:13, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

God is our help in times of trouble. II Corinthians 4:8-10 says, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” Notice the contrast of terrible situations with the deliverance and helping hand of the Lord in those verses..

When it seems “all hope is lost” find help in Jesus. Call out to Him. Pray to God the Father in Jesus’ name. Help is found in prayer. Hebrews 4:16 emphatically states, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

4. Your Healing. 2 Chronicles 7:14 is a common verse preached concerning revival. Please read it again: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Humility, praying, turning to God and turning from sin are all active parts of repentance and true revival. We cannot be healed until the need for healing is admitted. A relationship cannot be restored until a confession of the need of restoration is made. A marriage cannot be mended until contrition of sin, bitterness, or resentment is expressed. A renewal of commitment to Bible reading, prayer, church participation, and witnessing cannot be made until a confession of those things being lacking is made. Simply put- you cannot fix what is not believed to be broken.

Let revival begin the healing process in every part of your life.

5. Your Honor. Romans 8:6-8 admonishes: “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”

It is possible for a Christian to live like a “dead man” for a short time. To have a fleshly, or carnal mind is living against God and that brings about death. Some Christians are decaying from the inside out because they have loved their sin more than Jesus.

In contrast, Life and peace come about from a life yielded to the Holy Spirit. This is a person who is developing, and growing in the Lord and is “spiritually minded.”

If you find yourself struggling with your flesh, being quick to anger in your heart and mind, or are not able to overcome the temptation to live after your human nature, you need revival. Come back to the first things that you learned when you were saved. Determine with God’s help, that the renewed, refreshed life in Jesus is something that you will ask, seek, and find each day. With all the honor of your being commit to glorify and honor the Lord.

The Wilton Baptist Church covenant is a good summary of the Christian life. While these expectations are the goals we have committed to, there will be times that we sin, deviate from theses principles or do wrong. It is not the letter of the law, but the spirit of the life that really counts. I may not live up to these concepts perfectly, but “I am trying to.” With God’s grace, have an attitude of “I will do the best I can and when I mess up, I will confess it, seek forgiveness, and keep moving forward for and with Jesus.”

“Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of our Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.”

“We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.”

“We also engage to maintain family and private devotions; to Biblically educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred, acquaintances, and all others; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful to our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from worldly amusements; to be free from all oath-bound secret societies and partnerships with unbelievers; to abstain from the use of tobacco in any form, narcotic drugs, or intoxicating drink as a beverage; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.”

“We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy of speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior, to secure reconciliation without delay.”

“We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.”

When the Revival Meetings comes, the tv and media players, and cell phones are turned off, the Bible is opened, and we ask the Spirit of God to work. We put ourselves in a place to allow the Lord to work in our lives. Time is set aside and specified for a special working of God in our lives.

These are five good reasons to have a revival meeting. I trust you will pray and plan to be here at Wilton Baptist for our revival meetings. Discover the HOPE and Christian life that God has for you at revival meeting.

Outside of the Apostle Paul and Jesus Himself, some preachers would say that C.H. Spurgeon was the greatest preacher who ever lived. He said: “A genuine revival without joy in the Lord is as impossible as spring without flowers, or day-dawn without light.”

What a good thought. Find the joy of your salvation. Discover the hope that revival brings. Develop the attitude and mind of Christ that spiritual renewal brings with it.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:7

“A fifth grade boy who had heard a sermon on persistence in prayer was praying by himself in his room one night. As his dad passed his door, he heard the boy praying over and over again, “Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo.” The next day, the dad asked his son what he was doing. The boy replied that he had given the wrong answer on a test for the capital of Mexico, and he was praying that Tokyo would become the capital of Mexico.”

Some people pray trying to “fix” a situation or change the way things are. What if prayer changed us more than the situation? It is very possible. Observe.

When we pray the will or Word of God, we are “in tune” with God’s plan.

When we pray for the will of God, we are asking for more than merely what we think is best.

When we pray in the will of God, we are demonstrating faith and confidence that “His way is best.”

When we pray the Word of God, we are allowing His presence in us to be more evident.

When we pray in God’s will, we are able to rest, have peace, and totally rely on His working it out. All the while, the practice of prayer is also changing us.